Novel solar modules, supporting layer stacks and methods of fabricating thereof

ABSTRACT

A solar cell supporting layer stack for mechanically supporting a solar cell is described. The solar cell includes: a rigid foam layer; one or more skin layers disposed adjacent to said rigid foam layer; and wherein said rigid foam layer and said one or more skin layers capable of providing mechanical support to said solar cell when said supporting layer stack is disposed adjacent to said solar cell.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/359,102, filed May 18, 2014, entitled “NOVEL SOLAR MODULES,SUPPORTING LAYER STACKS AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THEREOF,” by inventorHood, which claims priority from International Patent ApplicationPCT/US2012/059836, filed Oct. 12, 2012, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/561,337, filed on Nov. 18, 2011,from which priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 is claimed which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to novel solar modules,supporting layer stacks and methods of fabricating thereof. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to novel solar modules,supporting layer stacks and methods of fabricating thereof that employ arigid, mechanically-supportive foam layer and at least one skin layer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional solar modules are typically made from materials that arestacked and bonded together to form a support assembly. The supportassembly encloses one or more solar cells, which are theelectricity-generating component disposed within the solar module. Inthis configuration, the support assembly serves to both protect thesolar cells from damaging environmental elements and facilitate theprocess of converting solar energy into electricity.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded side-sectional view of a conventional solarmodule 10, including a cover sheet 12 made from glass. Next to glasscover sheet 12, encapsulants 14 and 18 are provided to encapsulate bothsides of a solar cell 16 (e.g., made from either polycrystalline ormonocrystalline silicon) to form a “sandwich-like” structure. Adjacentto encapsulant 18, a backsheet is disposed. Backsheet consists of singleor multiple layers and performs multiple functions to ensure thelongevity and the safety of the solar module. FIG. 1 shows one suchbacksheet design which includes a polymeric dielectric layer 20 and apolymeric back film 24, which are bonded together by a laminatingadhesive 22. Polymeric back film 24 offers protection against moisture,UV, and mechanical damage. Dielectric layer 20 electrically isolates theexternal portion of solar module 10 from solar cell 16 so thatinstallers, transport personnel, maintenance personnel and firefighters, who have access to the solar module are not subject toelectric shock. This safety feature is particularly important forpersonnel who are in contact with the solar modules in high voltagesystems. Solar module 10 is typically surrounded by an aluminum frame(not shown to simplify illustration) that provides structural integrity,protects the edges of glass cover sheet 12, and provides a convenientattachment point for installation and electrical grounding of themodule. In solar module 10, layers 12, 14, 18, 20, 22 and 24, which aredisposed between solar cell 16 and an aluminum frame, collectively makeup the support assembly.

In the conventional module assembly, glass is a desirable material forcover sheet 12 because it cost-effectively provides structural supportto the solar module, protects the solar cells from damage duringtransportation, installation and use, and also protects the solar cellsfrom environmental elements, such as moisture, snow, hail and wind-bornedebris. Additionally, the highly transparent nature of glass allowssolar energy to pass through to and impinge upon the solar cells,generating electricity. To maximize and effectively harness solarenergy, encapsulants 14 and 18 are substantially transparent to solarwavelengths and are typically made from a polymeric adhesive that bondsthe module together. The configuration and various components of solarmodule 10, as presented in FIG. 1 and discussed above, have not changedsince the inception of the solar module design.

Unfortunately, conventional solar modules are heavy for the surface arearequired and the electrical power obtained, and therefore, suffer fromseveral drawbacks. By way of example, weight and dimensions of theconventional module make its manufacturing, packaging, transportation,installation and support difficult and expensive. The total weight of aconventional solar module and its aluminum frame is between about 18 kgand about 21 kg. Depending on its size and thickness, the glass coversheet (which typically weighs between about 12 kg and about 15 kg permodule) accounts for majority of the module's weight. Moreover, thethickness of a solar module with an aluminum frame is about 55 mm.Furthermore, the fragile nature of the glass coversheet requires theentire solar module to be securely packaged, adding to the packagingweight and cost.

With respect to shipping, the weight and thickness of the conventionalsolar modules limit the quantity of modules that may be shipped in afixed volume of a shipping container. As a result, where a large numberof modules are required, there is an increase in the number ofshipments, which in turn increases shipping costs. These shipping costsare further exacerbated when installations are conducted in ruraldestinations or where there is an inadequate transportationinfrastructure.

With respect to installation, the weight and size of the conventionalmodule increase the installation costs for residential, commercial andutility-scale applications. A solar module is typically installed on therooftop of a building or ground structure. Before installation, eachmodule is lifted to a building's roof top and then placed in a desiredlocation. To handle the relatively heavy and large modules, suchpre-installation activities require two or more installers for lifting,maneuvering and placing. In some instances, not too uncommon, additionalmeans (e.g., a crane or lift) for lifting modules are necessary that addto the installation costs.

The weight of the module also increases the cost of installation becauseinstallation requires a sound structural support system (also referredto as “support mounts”). During the installation process, support mountsare used to rigidly or firmly connect the solar module to a building ora stand-alone facility. Furthermore, support mounts keep the solarmodule aligned with the sun and prevent the module from being damagedduring inclement weather, such as during high winds or heavy snow fall.Even in the absence of harsh weather elements, the heavy solar modulesitself places a significant load on the roof and on the support mounts.As a result, the support mounts are designed to firmly secure themodules and withstand the additional load realized from high winds,earthquakes and/or heavy snow fall. To this end, local, state andfederal building codes and engineering standards typically regulate thesupport mounts employed to ensure that they are safe and will perform asintended. A heavier solar module typically requires stronger supportmounts that are relatively more expensive to design, build and install.

What are, therefore, needed are novel designs of solar modules andmethods of making thereof that do not suffer from the drawbacksencountered by the heavy conventional solar module designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides novel solarcell supporting layer stack designs, solar module designs and processesfor making thereof. In one aspect, the present invention provides asolar cell supporting layer stack for mechanically supporting a solarcell. The supporting layer stack includes: (i) a rigid foam layer; and(ii) one or more skin layers disposed adjacent to the rigid foam layer;and (iii) wherein the rigid foam layer and one or more of the skinlayers are capable of providing mechanical support to the solar cellwhen the supporting layer stack is disposed adjacent to the solar cell.

In one embodiment of the inventive supporting layer stacks, the rigidfoam layer is sandwiched between two of one or more of the skin layers,wherein one of the skin layers is disposed between the rigid foam layerand the solar cell when the supporting stack layer is disposed adjacentto the solar cell. The supporting layer stack may include an adhesivelayer disposed between one or more of the skin layers and the rigid foamlayer. The rigid foam layer is preferably made from at least onematerial selected from a group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate,polyurethane, polyetherimide, polymethacrylimide, styreneacrylonitrile,polyimide, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate,ethylene vinyl acetate, balsa wood, polyisocyanurate, polyethylene,carbon, aluminum, polyethylene naphthalate, polyolefin andpolypropylene. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention,the rigid foam core may be made from polyethylene terephthalate. Thefoam layer may have a thickness that is between about 3 mm and about 25mm. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the foamlayer has a density that is between about 25 kg/m³ and about 300 kg/m³.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the rigid foam layermay have sufficient load bearing properties to support to the solarcells. By way of example, the foam layer has a compression strength thatis between about 0.6 MPa and about 7.5 MPa. As another example, the foamlayer has a compression modulus that is between about 40 MPa and 400MPa. As yet another example, the foam layer has a shear strength that isbetween about 0.4 MPa and 4.5 MPa. As yet another example, the foamlayer has a shear modulus that is between about 10 MPa and about 100MPa.

The above-mentioned one or more skin layers are preferably made from atleast one material selected from a group consisting of polyvinylfluoride, polymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene fluoride,vinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethyleneco-polymer, ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyamide-12, polyamide-11,polymethylmethacralate, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate,aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, titanium, copper,molybdenum, polyethylene resin with glass fiber and polypropylene resinwith glass fiber. In a more preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, however, one or more of the skin layers are made fromaluminum. In an alternate more preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, one or more of the skin layers are made from stainless steel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the skinlayers have a thickness that is between about 0.025 mm and about 3.0 mm.Preferably, at least one of the one or more skin layers is an insulatinglayer that electrically isolates the supporting layer stack from thesolar cell when the supporting layer stack is disposed adjacent to thesolar cell. At least one of the one or more skin layers may be resistantto solar UV energy. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more skinlayers may have a vapor transmission rate of less than 0.05 GM/m²/day.

The inventive supporting stack layers may include an adhesive layerdisposed between one or more of the skin layers and the rigid foam core.In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, however, the foamlayer may be fused with one or more of the skin layers to form thesupporting layer stack without using an adhesive.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a solar module. Thesolar module includes: (i) a solar cell; and (ii) a solar cellsupporting layer stack adjacent to and mechanically supporting the solarcell. In this aspect, the solar cell supporting layer stack includes:(i) a rigid foam layer; and (ii) one or more skin layers disposedadjacent to the rigid foam layer; and (iii) wherein the rigid foam layerand one or more skin layers are capable of providing mechanical supportto the solar cell when the supporting layer stack is disposed adjacentto the solar cell.

The inventive solar modules may have a width that is between about 0.5 mand about 3 m, may have a length that is between about 0.5 m and about 3m, and have thickness that is between about 4 mm and about 25 mm. Thesolar module of the present invention may weigh between about 4 kg andabout 10 kg.

The solar cell, present inside the solar modules, preferably includes atleast one material selected from a group consisting of polycrystallinesilicon, monocrystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indiumgallium diselinide, amorphous single junction silicon, amorphous andpolycrystalline double junction silicone, crystalline silicon, galliumarsenide and copper zinc tin sulfide.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a process forfabricating a solar cell supporting stack. The process comprises: (i)obtaining a rigid foam layer; (ii) obtaining one or more skin layers tobe disposed adjacent to the rigid foam layer, wherein the rigid foamlayer and one or more skin layers are capable of providing mechanicalsupport to the solar cell when the supporting layer stack is disposedadjacent to the solar cell; and (iii) applying adhesive between therigid foam layer and one or more of the skin layers to form the solarcell supporting layer stack.

The adhesive applied between the rigid foam layer and one or more of theskin layers preferably includes one material selected from a groupconsisting of ethylene vinylacetate, polyurethane, silicone,polyvinylbutyral, polyolefin, ionomer, epoxies, butyl rubber-basedadhesives and vinyl-phenolic.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides another process offabricating a solar cell supporting layer stack. The process offabricating the alternate supporting layer stack includes: (i) obtaininga rigid foam layer; (ii) obtaining one or more skin layers to bedisposed adjacent to the rigid foam layer, wherein the rigid foam layerand the one or more skin layers capable of providing mechanical supportto the solar cell when the supporting layer stack is disposed adjacentto the solar cell; and (iii) heating the rigid foam layer and one ormore of the skin layers to or substantially near a melting point of therigid foam layer or at least one of the one or more skin layers to forma heated rigid foam layer and one or more heated skin layers; andapplying pressure to bond the heated rigid foam layer and one or moreheated skin layers and form the solar cell supporting layer stack.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the meltingpoint of the form layer is between about 160° C. and about 275° C. Themelting point of one or more of the skin layers may be between about200° C. and about 240° C. The heating includes providing heat treatmentusing at least one of a conventional thermal oven in conjunction with avacuum bag, an infrared oven accompanied by pinch rollers, a microwaveoven press, a flame treatment, heated pinch rollers, hydraulic andheated press, autoclave, heated vacuum bag and a flatbed laminator withboth continuous and heated metal belts. The pressure applied to bond theheated rigid foam layer and one or more heated skin layers is preferablybetween about 10 lbs/in² and about 50 lbs/in². In one embodiment, theinventive processes apply pressure for a duration that is less than 15minutes. Inventive processes of fabricating the supporting layer stackmay further include cooling the solar cell supporting layer stack, afterapplying pressure, to form a cooled solar cell supporting layer stack.Cooling, as contemplated by one embodiment of the present invention, mayhave a duration that is less than 15 minutes.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a process offabricating a solar module. The process of fabricating a solar moduleincludes: (i) obtaining a solar cell; (ii) obtaining a solar cellsupporting layer stack to be disposed adjacent to the solar cell, andthe supporting layer stack includes: (a) a rigid foam layer; (b) one ormore skin layers disposed adjacent to the rigid foam layer; and (c)wherein the rigid foam layer and one or more of the skin layers arecapable of providing mechanical support to the solar cell when thesupporting layer stack is disposed adjacent to the solar cell; and (iii)applying adhesive between the solar cell and the solar cell supportinglayer stack to form the solar module.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however,together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be bestunderstood from the following descriptions of specific embodiments whenread in connection with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded side-sectional view of a conventional solarmodule.

FIG. 2 shows a side-sectional view of a solar cell supporting layerstack, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded side-sectional view of a solar module,according to one embodiment of the present invention, including anexemplar inventive solar cell supporting layer stack shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded side-sectional view of a solar module,according to another embodiment of the present invention, includinganother exemplar inventive supporting layer stack that has a rigid foamlayer adhering to a single skin layer using an interposed adhesivelayer.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded side-sectional view of a solar module,according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, includinga yet another exemplar inventive supporting layer stack that has a rigidfoam layer sandwiched between two skin layers without interposedadhesive layers.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention, of fabricating inventive solar modules (e.g., thoseshown in FIGS. 3 and 4).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process, according to another embodiment ofthe present invention, of fabricating another inventive solar module(e.g., the one shown in FIG. 5).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced without limitation to some or all of thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known process steps have notbeen described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure theinvention.

The present invention recognizes that a solar cell supporting layerstack that does not include glass cover sheet overcomes the drawbacksencountered by the conventional solar module design. In accordance withone embodiment of the present invention, the supporting layer stackincludes a cover sheet not made from glass, which, in conventionalassemblies, is designed to resist environmental elements, such as UVradiation, moisture, snow, hail and wind-borne debris. In a preferredembodiment, the inventive supporting layer stacks includes any rigidlayer adjacent or approximate to an appropriate skin layer. In a morepreferred embodiment, however, inventive rigid layer consists of a foamlayer.

It is noteworthy that the term “adjacent,” as used herein, is notlimited to embodiments where the different layers characterized as“adjacent” and disposed inside the solar module or the solar cellsupporting layer stack, contact each other. Rather, the use of the term“adjacent” also covers those embodiments where one or more intermediatelayers are interposed between two “adjacent” layers.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplar inventive supporting layer stack 120 thatattaches to one or more solar cells, typically by an adhesive layer.Supporting layer stack 120 includes a closed-cell, rigid foam layer 114,which does not absorb moisture, sandwiched between two skin layers 110and 118 using interposed adhesive layers 112 and 116. Foam layer 114provides mechanical support to the solar cells when supporting layer 120is assembled with the solar cell within a solar module. Examples ofmechanical properties of foam layer 114 include shear strength, shearmodulus, shear elongation, compressive strength, compressive modulus,impact toughness (i.e., resilience), and fatigue resistance.

Skin layers 110 and 118 may provide tensile strength, tensile modulus,compressive strength, compressive modulus, along with other keyenvironmentally-protective properties for the foam component and thesolar module overall. Skin layer 110 may act as a dielectric layer,which electrically isolates the solar cells from components external toskin layer 110 within the solar module. Skin layer 118 preferably offersprotection to foam layer 114 and the solar cells from environmentalelements, such as moisture, UV radiation, snow, hail and wind-bornedebris.

Adhesive layers 112 and 116 are preferably able to withstand the shearand tensile forces between the skins and core, as well as perform theessential role of bonding these elements together for the life of thesolar module.

FIG. 3 shows a solar module 200, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. Solar module 200 incorporates a supporting layerstack 220 substantially similar to supporting layer stack 120 shown inFIG. 2. Solar module 200 includes a cover film 202 and solar cells 206,which adhere to each other by an interposed adhesive layer 204. Thesub-assembly of cover film 202, adhesive layer 204 and solar cells 206adhere to a supporting layer stack 220 by another adhesive layer 208. Inthis configuration, it is noteworthy that adhesive layers 204 and 208sandwich solar cells 206. In preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, adhesive layers 204 and 208 encapsulate solar cells 206, andare therefore commonly referred to as “encapsulants.” Encapsulants 204and 208, as they are sometimes known, offer additional protection to thesolar cell from external forces acting on the solar module. Adjacent toencapsulant 208, supporting layer stack as described in FIG. 2 isdisposed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, supporting layer stack 220includes two skin layers 210 and 218, sandwiching a foam layer 214.Adhesives 212 and 216 interposed between skin layer 210 and foam layer214 and between foam layer 214 and skin layer 218, respectively, holdthe supporting layer stack sub-assembly 220 together during the lifetimeand operation of the solar module 200.

In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is notnecessary to have two or more skin layers, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, inthe inventive supporting layer stack sub-assemblies. FIG. 4 shows asolar module 300, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention, including a supporting layer stack that has a single skinlayer.

Solar module 300 includes a cover film 302, encapsulants 304 and 308 andsolar cells 306 that are the same or substantially similar to theircounterparts shown in FIG. 3, i.e., cover film 202, encapsulants 204 and208, and solar cells 206. Furthermore, skin layer 318, adhesive layer316 and foam layer 314 are also same or substantially similar to theircounterparts shown in FIG. 3, i.e., skin layer 318, adhesive layer 316and foam layer 314. It is noteworthy that in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, layers corresponding to skin layer 210 and adhesive layer 212are absent. The absence of a skin layer and an associated adhesive layerprovides inventive supporting layer stacks that enjoy the advantages ofreduced weight and lower manufacturing cost for the ultimately producedsolar module 300.

It is also important to note, however, that in certain preferredembodiments of the present invention, the presence of adhesive layers(e.g., adhesive layers 212 and 216 of FIG. 3) is not necessary to holdthe inventive supporting layer stack sub-assemblies together. To thisend, FIG. 5 shows a solar module 400, according to an alternateembodiment of the present invention, including a foam layer 414 that isdirectly sandwiched between skin layers 410 and 418, without using anyadhesive layer. In all other respects, solar module 400 of FIG. 5 issubstantially similar to solar module 200 in FIG. 3. In other words, acover film 402, encapsulants 404 and 408, solar cells 406 are the sameor substantially similar to their counterparts cover film 202,encapsulants 204 and 208, solar cells 206 of FIG. 3.

In the absence of adhesive layers, a resulting supporting layer stack420 of FIG. 5 is relatively light weight, inexpensive to manufacture andrequires a reduced list of materials during the supporting layer stackor solar module manufacturing process. In those applications where highstrength of bonding between the different layers within supporting layerstacks is required, supporting layer stack 120 may represent a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

Foam layer (e.g., 114 of FIG. 2, 214 of FIG. 3, 314 of FIG. 4, 414 ofFIG. 5) as contemplated by the present invention, need not be made fromfoam, and may well be made from any suitable rigid, lightweight materialthat is capable of offering mechanical support to solar cells within asolar module. Foam layer, however, is preferably made from at least onematerial selected from a group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate,polyurethane, polyetherimide, polymethacrylimide, styreneacrylonitrile,polyimide, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate,ethylene vinyl acetate, balsa wood, polyisocyanurate, polyethylene,carbon, aluminum, polyethylene naphthalate, polyolefin andpolypropylene.

Foam layer inside inventive supporting layer stacks may be of a suitablethickness that provides the requisite mechanical support to solar cellswithin a solar module. In accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, thickness of foam layer inside inventive supporting layerstacks is between about 3 mm and about 25 mm. In one example, the foamlayer's thickness is between 1 mm and about 5 mm. In preferredembodiments of the present invention, however, the foam layer'sthickness is between about 4 mm and about 12 mm. Similarly, in a morepreferred embodiment of the present invention, foam layer's thickness isbetween about 5 mm and about 10 mm.

The density of foam layer in inventive supporting layer stacks may beany value that provides the solar module with the requisite strength towithstand any undue external force. The foam layer density may be avalue that is between about 25 kg/m³ and about 300 kg/m³, is morepreferably a value between about 75 kg/m³ and about 250 kg/m3, and ismost preferably a value that is between about 100 kg/m³ and about 200kg/m³.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, it is desirable to havea foam layer that has sufficient load bearing properties that it canprovide the rigidity and shear strength needed to address the static anddynamic forces that the solar module will see in application. To thisend, a measurement of compression strength value of a foam layer in theinventive supporting layer stacks may be deemed relevant by thoseskilled in the art. In those instances when this value is so deemed,compression strength value of the inventive foam layers is preferablybetween about 0.6 MPa and about 7.5 MPa, is more preferably betweenabout 1.0 MPa and about 3.5 MPa, and is most preferably between about1.4 MPa and about 2.5 MPa. In other instances, those skilled in the artmay deem a compression modulus value as an important measure of foamlayer strength. In such instances, a compression modulus value of theinventive foam layers is between about 40 MPa and about 400 MPa, ispreferably between about 75 MPa and about 200 MPa, and is morepreferably between about 100 MPa and about 180 MPa.

With respect to a shear strength value for the inventive foam layers, anacceptable range is between about 0.4 MPa and about 4.5 MPa. Preferably,however, the shear strength value is between about 0.6 MPa and about 3.0MPa, and more preferably is between about 0.8 MPA and about 1.6 MPa. Tothe extent a shear modulus value or a shear strength value associatedwith the inventive foam layers is deemed relevant, the present inventioncontemplates a relatively wide range of measurements. By way of example,a shear modulus value for the inventive foam layers is between about 10MPa and about 100 MPa, is preferably between about 20 MPa and about 75MPa, and is more preferably between about 30 MPa and about 60 MPa.

Skin layer, in addition to or instead of providing mechanical strengthto the supporting layer stack, may serve to provide the solar cellprotection from environmental elements. In certain other embodiments ofthe present invention, the skin layer provides dielectric strength tothe supporting layer stack sub-assembly. Representative materials usedfor making a skin layer includes at least one material selected from agroup consisting of polyvinyl fluoride, polymer of tetrafluoroethylene,hexafluoropropylene fluoride, vinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidenefluoride, tetrafluoroethylene co-polymer, ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylenenaphthalate, polyamide-12, polyamide-11, polymethylmethacralate,polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, aluminum, stainless steel,galvanized steel, titanium, copper, molybdenum, polyethylene resin withglass fiber and polypropylene resin with glass fiber.

In the inventive supporting layer stacks, a skin layer having differentphysical or chemical properties offers protection from a wide range ofenvironmental elements. Examples of important properties include:mechanical strength, UV resistance, thermal stability, hydrolyticstability, flammability, oxygen transmission rate and moisture vaportransmission rate. In addition to a foam layer of appropriate thickness,an appropriately thick skin layer also contributes to the mechanicalstrength of the inventive supporting layer stacks, which support solarcells within the solar module. The thickness of one or more skin layers,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in theinventive supporting layer stacks is between about 0.025 mm and about3.0 mm, is preferably between about 0.100 mm and about 1.0 mm, and ismost preferably between about 0.175 mm and about 0.500 mm.

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation degrades polymer physical and opticalproperties. Consequently, it is desirable that the inventive supportinglayer stacks maintain and provide resistance to such radiation. To thisend, one or more skin layers in the inventive supporting layer stackspreferably are 100% opaque to UV radiation between 300 and 400 nmwavelengths, and maintain no less than 80% of their original mechanicaland optical properties after 10,000 hours of exposure to 0.35 Watt/m² ofUV radiation at temperatures between 42° C. and 63° C. with anintermittent water spray. Permeating moisture vapor through the skinlayer can impact the performance and lifetime of the solar cell, foamand encapsulant and is preferably reduced to a level that allows forlong lifetimes and high performance of the materials used throughout thesolar module. A value for moisture vapor transmission resistance of askin layer in the inventive supporting layer stacks of the presentinvention may be less than about 0.05 gm/m²/day, is more preferably avalue less than about 0.005 gm/m²/day, and is most preferred a valueless than about 0.0005 gm/m²/day.

In those embodiments where one or more skin layers provide dielectricstrength to a supporting layer stack sub-assembly, a dielectric strengthof each skin layer is sufficiently high to result in a partial dischargevoltage level that is between about 750 volts and about 1,200 volts. Inone preferred embodiment of the present invention, one skin layer, whichincludes aluminum or another electrically conductive metal, is disposedfarthest from the solar cells (e.g., skin layer 118 of FIG. 2) anddesigned to offer protection from the environmental elements. In thisembodiment, another skin layer, which includes polyester and metal, isdisposed proximate to the solar cells (e.g., skin layer 110 of FIG. 2)to offer the requisite dielectric strength.

In those embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) of the inventivesupporting layer stacks where an adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layers112 and 116 of FIG. 2) is disposed between the foam layer and one ormore skin layers to bond the two layers, the adhesive layer may includeany effective adhesive that effectively performs the bonding function.In one embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive layer includes amaterial selected from a group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate,polyurethane, silicone, polyvinylbutyral, polyolefin, ionomer, epoxy,butyl rubber-based adhesive and vinyl-phenolic. Such adhesive layers mayin some instances include filler materials that provide strength to thelayer. Such filler materials include, for example, glass spheres, silicaand nanocrystalline cellulose.

Inventive supporting layer stacks are not limited to use with anyparticular type of solar cell. Rather, inventive supporting layer stacksmay be employed with a wide variety of solar cells in a solar module.Representative solar cells include polycrystalline silicon,monocrystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium galliumdiselenide, amorphous single junction silicon, amorphous andpolycrystalline double junction silicone, crystalline silicon, galliumarsenide and copper zinc tin sulfide.

The present invention also offers novel processes for manufacturinginventive supporting layer stacks and inventive solar modules thatincorporate the supporting layer stacks (e.g., one of supporting layerstacks 120 of FIG. 2, 220 of FIG. 3 and 320 of FIG. 4). FIG. 6 shows aflow chart of a process 500, according to one embodiment of theinvention, for fabricating a supporting layer stack (e.g., one ofsupporting layer stacks 120 of FIG. 2, 220 of FIG. 3 and 320 of FIG. 4).Process 500 preferably begins with a step 502, which includes obtaininga rigid foam layer (e.g., one of foam layers 114 of FIG. 2, 214 of FIG.3 and 314 of FIG. 4). As mentioned above, the foam layer is capable ofmechanically supporting one or more solar cells.

Next, a step 504 includes obtaining one or more skin layers (e.g., oneof skin layers 110 and 118 of FIG. 2, 210 and 218 of FIG. 3 and 318 ofFIG. 4). Continuing with FIG. 6, an adhesive (e.g., at least one ofadhesive layers 112 and 116 of FIG. 2, 212 and 216 of FIG. 3 and 316 ofFIG. 4 and that may be in the form of a discrete layer) is applied in astep 506 between the foam layer and one or more of the skin layers toform an inventive layer stack. Although step 504 of FIG. 6 requires atleast one skin layer to be substantially impervious to moisture orthermal energy, the present invention is not so limited. A skin layer ofthe present invention is not limited to any particular property, and mayhave any one or a combination of the different properties describedherein.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that steps 502, 504 and 506 neednot be performed in any particular order and that the sequence of stepspresented in FIG. 5 is one exemplar sequence of assembling the inventivesupporting layer stacks. By way of example, after step 502, step 506 isperformed to produce a foam layer with adhesive thereon. Next, step 504is carried out to affix the skin layer to the foam layer and form aninventive supporting layer stack.

Not only are the inventive processes not limited to a particularsequence, but they are not limited to effecting adhesion by using anadhesive layer as shown in the inventive supporting layer stack of FIG.5. To this end, the present invention offers a process 600, according toanother embodiment of the present invention, for fabricating asupporting layer stack (e.g. supporting layer stack 420 of FIG. 5).Process 600 preferably begins in a step 602, which includes obtaining arigid foam layer. Step 602 is the same as or substantially similar tostep 502 of FIG. 5. Next, process 600 proceeds to a step 604, whichincludes obtaining one or more skin layers and is the same as orsubstantially similar to step 504 of FIG. 5.

Then, a step 606 is carried out. Step 606 includes heating the foamlayer and/or one or more of the skin layers to or substantially near themelting point of the foam layer or any one of the skin layers to producea heated foam layer and/or at least one heated skin layer.

In step 606, it does not matter which of the heated layers is melted, solong as any one of them is melted to an extent that permits effectivebonding between the foam and the skin layer(s). In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the foam core and/or one or more skin layers areheated to a temperature that is about 200° C. The foam and/or one ormore of the skin layers are, however, preferably heated to about 220°C., and more preferably heated to above about 230° C.

Step 606 is not limited to any particular heat treatment method. Incertain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the foam layerand/or one or more of the skin layers is heated by one method selectedfrom the group consisting of a conventional thermal oven in conjunctionwith a vacuum bag, an infrared oven accompanied by pinch rollers, amicrowave oven press, a flame treatment, heated pinch rollers, hydraulicand heated press, autoclave, heated vacuum bag and a flatbed laminatorwith both continuous and heated metal belts. Process 600 includes a step608, which involves applying pressure to bond the heated foam layer andone or more of the heated skin layers to form the inventive supportinglayer stacks. There is no particular pressure requirement in step 608 solong as bonding of appropriate strength is accomplished. A pressureapplied to the heated foam layer and one or more of the heated skinlayers is between about 0 lbs/in² and about 50 lbs/in², is morepreferably between about 12 lbs/in² and about 40 lbs/in², and is mostpreferably between about 15 lbs/in² and about 30 lbs/in². At this stagean inventive supporting layer stack similar to the one shown in FIG. 5is formed. To ensure foam core and one or more skins are fully bonded,however, continuous pressure is preferably applied to the supportinglayer stack for a duration of about 10 minutes. Shorter durations ofapplied pressure may also work well. By of example, durations that rangebetween about 2 minutes to about 5 minutes produce an effectively bondedsupporting layer stack.

Regardless of which method is used to manufacture the inventivesupporting layer stacks, conventional or non-conventional cover sheetand solar cell layers may be added, according to well-known techniques,to the supporting layer stacks of the present invention and forminventive solar modules (e.g., one of solar modules 100 of FIG. 2, 200of FIG. 3, 300 of FIG. 4 and 400 of FIG. 5). As a result, the presentinvention also offers inventive solar module fabricating processes whichincorporate process 500 or FIG. 6 or process 600 of FIG. 7.

Inventive solar modules and supporting layer stacks and the novelprocesses for manufacturing thereof offer several advantages over theirconventional counterparts. By way of example, by not using a glass coversheet and significantly reducing the weight of the solar module or thesupporting layer stack, the present invention realizes savings inmanufacturing, packaging, transportation and installation costs. Thetotal weight of the inventive solar module may be between about 4.0 kgand about 10.0 kg, is preferably between about 4.5 kg and about 7.0 kgand is more preferably between about 5.0 kg and about 6.0 kg. Lightweight solar modules also lend themselves to easy transportation. As aresult, large quantities of inventive solar modules may be shipped in afixed volume of a shipping container. Furthermore, light weightinventive solar modules do not place a heavy load on a roof and supportmounts.

Substantial cost savings associated with manufacturing, packaging,transportation and installation are also realized by the reducedthickness of the inventive supporting layer stacks. By way of example, athickness of inventive solar modules may be between about 4 mm and about25 mm, is more preferably between about 5.0 mm and about 15 mm, and ismost preferably between about 6.0 mm and about 10.0 mm.

Moreover, in the absence of glass, inventive designs of solar modulesand supporting layer stacks obviate the need for measures taken forfragile handling, including secure packaging, during transportation andinstallation. Reduced weight and thickness and in the absence of afragile component of the inventive solar modules all translate intovarious cost savings, making solar energy a more commercially viablealternative energy solution.

Although illustrative embodiments of this invention have been shown anddescribed, other modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended.By way of example, the present invention discloses heat bonding a foamlayer and at least one skin layer without using any adhesive, otherconventional layers in the solar module may be similarly bonded.Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construedbroadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure, asset forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination of solar cell and supporting layerstack, said combination comprising: a solar cell; and a solar cellsupporting layer stack adjacent to and mechanically supporting saidsolar cell, said supporting layer stack comprising: two skin layers; aclosed-cell, rigid foam layer having a thickness that is between 1 mmand about 4 mm, and wherein said closed-cell, rigid foam layer is madefrom polyvinylchloride and does not absorb moisture; and wherein saidclosed-cell, rigid foam layer is disposed between said two skin layers.2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said closed-cell, rigid foamlayer is fused with at least one of the two skin layers to form saidsupporting layer stack.
 3. The combination of claim 1, wherein saidclosed-cell, rigid foam layer has a density that is between about 25kg/m³ and about 300 kg/m³.
 4. The combination of claim 1, wherein saidclosed-cell, rigid foam layer has a compression strength that is betweenabout 0.6 MPa and about 7.5 MPa.
 5. The combination of claim 1, whereinsaid closed-cell, rigid foam layer has a compression modulus that isbetween about 40 MPa and about 400 MPa.
 6. The combination of claim 1,wherein said closed-cell, rigid foam layer has a shear strength that isbetween about 0.4 MPa and about 4.5 MPa.
 7. The combination of claim 1,wherein said closed-cell, rigid foam layer has a shear modulus that isbetween about 10 MPa and about 100 MPa.
 8. The combination of claim 1,wherein one of said two skin layers is made from at least one materialselected from a group consisting of polyvinyl fluoride, polymer oftetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene fluoride, vinylidene fluoride,polyvinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene co-polymer, ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylenenaphthalate, polyamide-12, polyamide-11, polymethyl methacralate,polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, aluminum, stainless steel,galvanized steel, titanium, copper, molybdenum, polyethylene resin withglass fiber, and polypropylene resin with glass fiber.
 9. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein said two skin layers are made from thesame material.
 10. The combination of claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid two skin layers has a thickness that is between about 0.025 mm andabout 3.0 mm.
 11. The combination of claim 1, wherein one of the twoskin layers is an insulating layer such that said insulating layerelectrically isolates said supporting layer stack from said solar cell.12. The combination of claim 1, wherein at least one of said two skinlayers is resistant to solar UV energy.
 13. The combination of claim 1,wherein at least one of said two skin layers has a moisture vaportransmission of less than 0.05 gm²/m/day.
 14. A combination of solarcell and supporting layer stack, said combination comprising: a solarcell; and a solar cell supporting layer stack adjacent to andmechanically supporting said solar cell, said supporting layer stackcomprising: a first skin layer; a second skin layer; a closed-cell,rigid foam layer made from polyvinylchloride and that does not absorbmoisture, and wherein said closed-cell, rigid foam layer is disposedbetween said two skin layers; a first adhesive layer disposed betweensaid first skin layer and said closed-cell rigid foam layer and a secondadhesive layer disposed between said second skin layer and saidclosed-cell, rigid foam layer, wherein said first adhesive layer andsaid second adhesive layer includes at least one compound chosen from agroup comprising ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, silicone,polyvinyl butyral, polyolefin, ionomer, butyl rubber-based adhesives,and vinyl-phenolic.
 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein saidadhesive layer is made from ethylene vinyl acetate or polyolefin.
 16. Acombination of solar cell and supporting layer stack, said combinationcomprising: a solar cell; and a solar cell supporting layer stackadjacent to and mechanically supporting said solar cell, said supportinglayer stack comprising: two skin layers; a closed-cell, rigid foam layerhaving a thickness that is between 1 mm and about 12 mm, wherein saidclosed-cell, rigid foam layer is made from polyvinylchloride and doesnot absorb moisture, and wherein said closed-cell, rigid foam layer isdisposed between said two skin layers; and an adhesive layer disposedbetween at least one of said two skin layers and said rigid foam layer.17. The combination of claim 16, wherein said adhesive layer is disposedbetween each of said skin layers and said rigid foam layer.
 18. Thecombination of claim 16, wherein said adhesive layer is made from atleast one material selected from a group consisting of ethylene vinylacetate, polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl butyral, polyolefin, ionomer,epoxies, butyl rubber-based adhesives and vinyl-phenolic.
 19. Thecombination of claim 16, wherein said closed-cell, rigid foam layer hasa thickness that is between 1 mm and about 4 mm.